Ravenna: Fundraiser started for abandoned turkeys

RAVENNA -- While many are thinking about how to cook their turkey this Thanksgiving, one local organization is looking for help to nurse several back to health.

Happy Trails, a farm animal sanctuary in Ravenna, is seeking donations to help five domestic turkeys and 14 Cornish hens on their road to recovery after they were apparently left abandoned under a highway bridge.

According to Happy Trails, the birds were all suffering from "severe malnutrition" when they were first brought into their establishment a few weeks ago. Each was said to be dirty, muddy with ragged feathers.

While staying at Happy Trails, each bird is consuming commercial poultry pellets with added grit to aid with digestion. They are sleeping in beds of straw with heat lamps nearby.

"When our staff goes into the barn to care for them, they come right up to 'their' people, eager for food, attention and good conversation," Happy Trails writes in a post on their website.

As a result of the cost to care for the 19 birds, Happy Trails has initiated a "Under the Bridge" fundraiser. The first 19 people who donate will also be able to claim naming rights for one of the hens or turkeys.

Once the animals gain weight and strength, they will be available for adoption.

Donations are tax deductible and can be made to Happy Trails in three ways:

Via PayPal on the website at www.happytrailsfarm.org (simply write in the memo "Under The Bridge" and include the name you would like us to use if you're one of the first 19 people to donate toward their care.

By sending a check to Happy Trails, 5623 New Milford Rd., Ravenna, Ohio 44266, and write "Under The Bridge" in the memo.

By calling the Happy Trails office at 330-296-5914 with your credit card information and the amount you would like to donate, and mention it's for the animals found "Under The Bridge."